But from Sunday, June 21 there will be just a single lane of traffic along Great Charles Street northbound from Paradise to Newhall Street - meaning the tail backs could lengthen.

Off peak lane closures will also be introduced on the southbound side approaching Paradise and upgraded to full time lane closure in August.

The closures are in place for the demolition work on the Central Library ahead of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the area with new office blocks, shops and public spaces. They will remain until the work is completed in 2016.

As well as the ongoing lane closures, there will be additional over night closures on the Broad Street side from Sunday, June 21 until Tuesday, June 23, as well as some over night Queensway tunnel closures.

A council spokeswoman urged commuters to consider switching from cars to public transport or cycling during the works.

She added: “If you have to travel by car, consider alternative routes and times for your journey or whether car sharing is a viable option. If you have to drive into the Paradise Circus area, allow more time for your journey.”